by Tim Froberg
Healing can take many forms.
Emily Schueffner did it as a nurse and now she’s accomplishing it in the mental health field. Schueffner is a counselor and the founder of Valley of Hope Counseling LLC in Appleton. A nationally certified counselor, the Sheboygan native helps clients with a wide range of issues, from relationship and marital problems to career counseling, life transitions, and mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, anger management, and phobias.
There has been a significant spike in mental health problems throughout the country and around the globe. According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion people are living with mental health disorders. Mental health conditions affect people of all ages and income levels and sometimes lead to long-term disability. Suicide remains a devastating potential outcome for those dealing with mental health issues. Suicide rates have climbed roughly 30% in the U.S. over the past 20 years.
“Mental health issues are definitely on the rise,” Schueffner said. “Part of it is that mental health issues used to be more stigmatized. We’re making strides in terms of getting help and decreasing the stigmatization that comes along with seeking help.”
Working with couples on relationship issues represents a large portion of Schueffner’s business. She holds a Level 1 certification in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which seeks to improve conflicting verbal communication and increase intimacy, respect, and affection, while creating a heightened sense of empathy and understanding.
“I enjoy working with couples,” Schueffner said. “It’s the population I am probably the most passionate about.”
Helping Teens Through Trauma
Schueffner also provides counseling services for teens who are 16 and older. Depression and anxiety rates among teens have risen dramatically in recent years. The explosion of smartphones and social media has been a significant factor in that increase, leading to cyberbullying and other online-related issues.
“With the use of social media these days, teens can really struggle with face-to-face interaction with kids their age,” Schueffner said. “Social media was originally intended to bring people together. But it’s also something that has driven people apart.
“People will talk on social media, but won’t get together in person. There’s something to be said about fostering a healthy relationship where you actually get together with someone in person. In today’s society, and especially the teen world, people have a tendency to say things online they would never say face to face. They have that extra layer of protection where they feel they can just spout out whatever they want to say. That can be very hurtful.”
Talk Therapy Works
Working with a skilled counselor like Schueffner can be an enormous benefit to those dealing with emotional and mental health issues. Research indicates that about 75% of people who participate in some type of talk therapy benefit in terms of well-being.
“We live in a society where we’re exposed to so many different things through channels like social media that some of it is going to have a negative impact on people,” Schueffner said. “There is just so much information available at our fingertips, and it’s information overload.”
“I look at therapy as a way of giving clients the skills they need in order to have a fulfilling and healthy life,” Schueffner said. “Therapy helps in a way where it allows individuals to make healthy, beneficial life changes, whether it’s learning to communicate more effectively or setting appropriate boundaries in their personal or professional life.”
Schueffner is part of the American Association for Christian Counseling and incorporates her strong Christian faith into her practice.
“I feel like the biggest thing that helps me be successful in what I do is my faith,” she said. “Faith is really important to me. I lean on my faith to help me work with clients and give them the skills I feel will best serve them.”
Switching Lanes
Schueffner worked for seven years in the Sheboygan area as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) before shifting gears and heading back to school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a master’s degree from Marquette University in clinical mental health counseling.
Schueffner enjoyed her work as an LPN, but felt she was meant to do something different.
“I worked in different clinical settings and specialty areas,” she said. “I did family practice, urgent care, triage, podiatry, and occupational health. But I decided to go back to school to pursue something I really loved.”
“Nursing checked off some of the boxes for me, but I didn’t feel like I was totally fulfilled in it. So I went back to the drawing board. I prayed about it. I really feel that God was leading me in the direction to switch from helping people on a physical level to helping people on an emotional level.”
Schueffner’s exceptional interpersonal skills were a major factor in her career change. She’s a people person with an outgoing personality and a strong desire to help others.
“When I was in nursing, one of the aspects I really loved was interacting with patients and having one-on-one time with them,” she said. “When I was doing triage, I really got a sense there were a lot of people out there who just wanted someone to talk to. They were looking for somebody who would listen and empathize with them through their struggles.”
“As time went on, I could see there was a growing need for individuals to get support in emotional and mental areas. I had to go back to school, and it was a lot of work, a long journey. But I’m absolutely glad that I did it.”
Listening and looking to provide solutions to the problems and frustrations of clients can be taxing for counselors like Schueffner. However, she enjoys the challenge and the internal rewards that come with helping others. She seldom has a day that could be classified as dull.
“One of the great things about my job is you never know what your day is going to be like,” she said. “There are days when I feel the sessions were really helpful to clients, and there are days that are heavy because they have a lot going on and it takes extra time and space to allow them to feel they’re getting the support they need. It’s kind of a mixed bag, but that’s what I love about it. There is so much variance in what your day is going to be like.”
Sheboygan Native
Schueffner was born and raised in Sheboygan and is a 2008 graduate of Sheboygan North High School. Her father, Shawn Wehner, was an electrician for many years and a long-time member of the U.S. Army National Guard. Schueffner’s mother, Shelley, works as a patient service representative for Aurora Health Care.
“Growing up, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to help people,” Schueffner said. “I never felt pressure from my parents. They allowed me to take my time, try different things, and explore what I wanted to do in life.”
Away from the office, Schueffner enjoys family time with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Kylie, 11, and Tucker, 10.
“We love spending time outdoors,” said Schueffner. “We love hiking, biking, camping, and traveling. We have the goal to go to all 50 states as a family.”
What They’re Saying About Her
Associates and colleagues of Schueffner spoke highly of her skills on her home page of Psychology Today, a leading online publication dedicated to mental health and human behavior.
“Emily embodies a genuine and sincere approach to her work with clients,” said Alexis Van Eperen, a licensed professional counselor. “She is passionate about supporting others in reaching their goals while promoting a faith-based lens in her therapeutic approach.”
“Emily’s dedication to her clients is incredible,” added Jessica Badour, a counselor. “Her gentleness and compassion create a safe and comfortable space for every client. She is driven by the desire to help others see the beauty within themselves as they move through challenges in life. Highly recommended!”
Schueffner’s office is located at 3232 N. Ballard Road, Suite 206. To contact her, visit her website at valleyofhopecounselingllc.com, or call 920-961-3978.
Seldom does a mental health issue come out of the blue.
There are usually noticeable signs, symptoms, and behaviors that can alert friends and family when an individual is struggling with mental health. If any of these behaviors are occurring, it might be wise to consult a mental health professional.
- Mood changes like depression, irritability, or dramatic shifts in emotions.
- Sudden changes in sleep or appetite.
- A decline in personal care, such as grooming or bathing, or refusing to change clothes.
- A major change in daily functioning, like missing work or school, or dropping out of activities such as sports and social clubs.
- A sudden inability or unwillingness to perform familiar tasks, or, for students, suddenly failing tests and neglecting homework.
- Trouble with concentration, memory, focus, or logical thinking.
- Apathy or loss of initiative, showing little desire to participate in any activity.
- Nervousness, irrational fears, or being suspicious of others.
This article was originally published in the November 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
